Wise County, Texas

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,390 km² (923 mi²). 2,343 km² (905 mi²) of it is land and 47 km² (18 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.97% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 48,793 people, 17,178 households, and 13,467 families residing in the county. The population density is 21/km² (54/mi²). There are 19,242 housing units at an average density of 8/km² (21/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 91.01% White, 1.23% African American, 0.75% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 5.03% from other races, and 1.71% from two or more races. 10.76% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 17,178 households out of which 38.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.10% are married couples living together, 8.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 21.60% are non-families. 18.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.77 and the average family size is 3.14.

In the county, the population is spread out with 28.30% under the age of 18, 7.80% from 18 to 24, 30.20% from 25 to 44, 23.00% from 45 to 64, and 10.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 101.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 99.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $41,933, and the median income for a family is $47,909. Males have a median income of $35,913 versus $23,434 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,729. 9.90% of the population and 7.50% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 11.30% are under the age of 18 and 10.60% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Alvord
• Aurora
• Boyd
• Bridgeport
• Chico
• Decatur
• Lake Bridgeport
• New Fairview
• Paradise
• Rhome
• Runaway Bay